mildew problems

[dick12062]

we have a 2002 hunter 340 which we sail in the pacific northwest. during the summer months we are frequently on the boat overnight. we have significant problem with moisture under the bedding in the aft bedroom. we have a plastic non woven product from defender under the mattress but cannot keep it dry--which leads to mildew if you dont wipe it dry almost daily. anyone have a suggestion??

 

[Lowell]

Moisture Prevention

Hello Dick,The previous owner of our 37' had used interlocking tiles under all bedding and cushions. The improved ventilation keeps it relatively dry beneath. We never had mold or mildew problem and we are on the boat up to 3 weeks at a time. However, my better half likes to wipe down the everything with a water/bleach mix a few times a season so perhaps that's why there are not any undesirable life forms. The tiles seem fairly pricey through most marine supply shops but a local retailer suggested we would find it far less costly at Home Depot. They offer a brand called Multi Tile and although it is not as flexible it seems to work just as well. We used it to line the lockers, lazerettes, anchor well, etc, and it's cheap enough that we didn't wince at all when we cut it to fit!

 

[John T1594]

May be a leak

I have the 2000 H340 and we also had a problem with moisture - actually water under the bedding in the aft cabin. I traced the problem to leaks coming from items on the transom and aft part of the hull. In particular, the fitting for the shore power inlet was leaking rain water as were some of the bolt holes for the arch. Water from these sources would find its way into the two aft lazarettes, down throught the wooden hatches covering the holding tank compartment to starboard and the fuel tank compartment to port and then down under the tanks. The floor of those deep compartments behind the aft bulkhead is the same piece of fiberglass as the floor of the aft berth itself. Any water that gets under the holding tank or fuel tank will find its way under your bedding. Another source of leaks is overhead from the screw holes in the cockpit sole panel just aft of the pedestal. If not properly caulked, water will drip into the headliner just over the bunk and then down onto your mattress.

 

[dick12062]

thanks

many thanks---I'm off to home depot

 

[Barry]

Mildew preventer

When I purchased my 376 Hunter there were two rolls of nylon or plastic liners that are placed under the mattresses. I don't know if they came with the boat or they were purchased by the previous owner. They are made of a grey plastic material that is similar to a nylon scrubee that you would use on dishes. There are large air spaces in the material. If you email me I can send you a photo of the material. Unfortunately don't know where its available. It works great because it lifts the mattress off the platform so air or moisture can circulate underneath.

 

[Graysailor]

moisture

I have not used this product but I do have a friend who does and he says that it works well. I have included a link in case you are interested.

 

[Steve Dion]

Hypervent sold on this site

Dick:You may want to check out Hypervent. It is sold on this site. I would first check to see if there is a source for the moisture that you may prevent, but this stuff will provide good air circulation around your cushions.I would suggest that you remove the cushions while you are away and see if there is any accumulated moisture in the area. Be sure to clean the area to rid the area of any spores. Until you kill these critters the mold/mildew will return.